Data from: Atypical experiences of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations as adults

Experiences during early development are influential on the lives of human and non-human primates into adulthood. The population of captive chimpanzees in the United States can provide insight into this relationship, as collectively they have experienced a wide range of early exposure to both conspecifics (those raised in natal groups) and humans (those raised as personal pets or performers). Our study investigated chimpanzee exposure to humans using a continuous measure of categorization, the Chimpanzee Human Index (CHI), and the relationship between this experience and cortisol concentrations in adulthood. Historical records and hair samples were collected from 60 chimpanzees who were socially-housed in 13 zoos and sanctuaries. We found that more human exposure throughout the life of a chimpanzee was associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations in adulthood. Sex was also a significant factor affecting cortisol concentration, with male chimpanzees having higher cortisol concentrations than female chimpanzees. These results build upon the extensive literature about aversive effects of atypical early social histories for chimpanzees and emphasize to managers the importance of monitoring potential negative health consequences and social deficits these individuals may exhibit.

个体早期发育阶段的经历，对人类与非人灵长类动物的成年生命轨迹具有深远影响。美国圈养黑猩猩种群可为探究这一关联提供理想研究样本——该种群个体的早期成长环境涵盖了广泛的社交接触类型：既包括与同种个体（即出生种群中饲养的个体）的互动，也包含与人类的接触（如作为私人宠物或表演动物饲养的个体）。本研究采用分类连续量化指标——黑猩猩人类接触指数（Chimpanzee Human Index, CHI），对黑猩猩的人类接触情况进行评估，并探究了此类经历与成年个体皮质醇浓度之间的关联。研究人员从13家动物园及动物救助中心的60只社会化饲养黑猩猩处，收集了历史记录与毛发样本。研究结果显示，黑猩猩一生中接触人类的频率越高，其成年后的毛发皮质醇浓度也越高。性别同样是影响皮质醇浓度的重要因素：雄性黑猩猩的毛发皮质醇浓度显著高于雌性个体。本研究结果补充了关于非典型早期社交史对黑猩猩产生负面影响的大量已有文献，并提醒相关管理者，需密切关注此类个体可能出现的潜在健康隐患与社交缺陷。